'Purple tunnel of doom' to be closed for inaugural

Thousands of ticketholders were trapped underground in 2009 due to error

Published: 12/13/2012 at 1:12 AM

(Associated Press) Inaugural security teams are trying to prevent another “purple tunnel of doom” from President Barack Obama’s first swearing-in.

The head of the District of Columbia National Guard said Wednesday that police will close the Third Street tunnel under the National Mall, where thousands of inaugural ticketholders were trapped in 2009.

Maj. Gen. Errol Schwartz said at a news conference that no pedestrians will be allowed, only emergency vehicles.